SYRACUSE, N.Y. -
The Providence College women's basketball team fell to Syracuse, 63-47, in BIG EAST regular-season action on February 26 at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, N.Y. It marked the final road game of the regular-season for the Friars, who fall to 12-15 overall (5-10 BIG EAST). Syracuse improves to 21-7 overall and 9-6 in the league.

The Orange took a 27-19 lead into the locker room at the break as Kayla Alexander and Iasia Hemingway combined for 22 points, including 14 by Hemingway. The duo converted 10 of Syracuse's 11 field goals in the opening 20 minutes. Senior Mi-Khida Hankins (Baltimore, Md.) led Providence with 10 points. Providence trailed 20-19 as Hankins hauled in an offensive board and connected on the put-back with 2:54 remaining. Syracuse closed the half on a 7-0 run to gain the eight-point margin.

Providence started the second half on an 8-3 run to get within three (30-27) with 14:36 remaining. Syracuse answered with a 10-0 run to take a 40-30 lead with 13:30 on the clock, forcing a Friar time out. Sophomore Symone Roberts (New Britain, Conn.) hit a short jumper for Providence to stop the run, but Syracuse answered back with another 10-0 run to take its largest lead of the game (18), with 9:48 to play (50-32).

The Friars cut the deficit to eight (55-47) with 4:03 to play, but it was as close as the squad could get as Syracuse scored eight unanswered points to end the game.

Hankins finished the day with 17 points, seven rebounds and two blocked shots. Senior Teya Wright (Paterson, N.J.) recorded her team-best sixth double-double of the season on 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Alexander completed the game with 18 points and six boards, while Hemingway chipped in 14 points and eight rebounds.

Syracuse won the battle of the boards, 49-41. The Orange also held a 16-7 advantage in points off of turnovers. The Friars turned the ball over 12 times, compared to Syracuse's eight miscues.

The Friars return to action on Monday, February 28 against Louisville in BIG EAST action. The game will be played at Alumni Hall/Mullaney Gymnasium in Providence, R.I. Tip-off is slated for 7:05 p.m. Prior to the game, the Friars will honor Hankins who will be playing her final regular-season game at Providence College.